Bristol Rovers boss Ben Garner has given a mixed update from the treatment room ahead of Saturday's visit of Northampton Town.
The Gas boss has a couple of knocks to contend with from last weekend's defeat to Doncaster Rovers, plus a few more serious concerns.
But one long-term absentee is making huge strides as he battles back from a serious knee injury.
Here is the latest fitness update from the Gas boss from Friday's press conference...
Mark Little (Calf)
The right-back has suffered a cruel blow with a calf problem, which kept him out for much of last season, recurring.
The Rovers boss has confirmed the 32-year-old is not expected to return to action soon.
"It’s a calf injury," Garner said. "Very disappointed for Mark, he’s a great pro and an important part of our leadership group here.
"He worked ever so hard in lockdown and did everything right, and unfortunately he’s injured the same calf.
"He’s determined to get back quickly. I don’t like to put a timeframe on it, but it’s certainly not short-term. It will be will be a little bit of time."
Alex Rodman (Illness)
The wing-back has endured a nightmare couple of months with an ear infection leading to bouts of vertigo which derailed his pre-season and has left him unable to train.
Garner says Rodman is making progress, but he is not ready to return.
The manager said: "He’s improved this week to the point that he hasn’t been able to train, but he has been able to do a bit in the gym and it’s now a case of building him up gradually.
"To give a bit of perspective, it’s almost like a concussion protocol situation where we’ve got to tick boxes and build him back up over the next 10-12 days, and then hopefully get him back into full training."
Sam Nicholson (Calf)
The winger has not played since coming off at Sunderland with a tight calf.
He returned to training late last week, but last weekend's trip to Doncaster came to soon for him. The 25-year-old is in with a shout of playing on Saturday.
Josh Barrett (Hamstring)
The 22-year-old damaged his hamstring in the opening pre-season fixture almost two months ago and has been making strides in training.
But the manager believes he needs an under-23s game under his belt before he can be considered ready for first team action.
"He probably needs a bit more until he’s ready," Garner admitted.
Tom Davies (Knee)
The centre-back is making significant progress on the road back from an operation on his knee after suffering from tendinitis.
A return in the new year is the expectation, but Davies has returned to light training this week.
Garner said: "Tom got out on the grass for the first time this week, which was brilliant to see. Absolutely delighted for Tom and he’s an important part of the squad even though he can’t feature at the moment.
"He’s a great leader and a great character, but he’s got a way to go. He’s working really hard and we’re all pleased with Tom’s attitude towards his rehabilitation and what he’s doing."
